I'm willing to step down - Muhyiddin after PN's dismal performance

 

JOHOR POLLS | Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin is prepared to step down following the dismal performance in the Johor election, which witnessed scores of multi-cornered bouts.

The fledgling coalition had contested in all 56 seats but managed to only win three – Maharani, Endau and Bukit Kepong.

Responding to a question, Muhyiddin (above) said he assumed responsibility for the outcome and would honour the wishes of members if a leadership change is desired.

“Yes, I am responsible. No problem (in stepping down).

“I am prepared (to step down) anytime if party members make such a decision...

“If they want to change, I accept. We practice a progressive system. This (position) is not my right, it is the decision of PN component parties,” he told reporters at PN's command centre in Senai.

On a positive note, the former premier, who is also Bersatu president, said PN is grateful for winning the three seats and the voting trend revealed the coalition has traction among Johor voters.

“After scrutinising the data, we can see there is support in certain areas for PN despite it being new.

“Our campaign for this election attracted the people of Johor but it was not as much as we hoped for. However, our struggle will continue,” he added.

Post-mortem will be conducted

The PN chairperson also revealed that a post-mortem would be conducted to determine the factors behind the poor performance.

Commenting on the next general election, Muhyiddin said it is the prerogative of the prime minister to decide when Parliament should be dissolved.

However, he said this must be based on the understanding between BN and the other parties, including PN.

“We, including our friends in Sabah and Sarawak, are bigger. Umno only has 42 MPs,” he pointed out.

To another question, Muhyiddin said PN has not discussed the possibility of working with other opposition blocs.

Also present at the press conference were Bersatu's Hamzah Zainuddin and Saifuddin Abdullah, Gerakan president Dominic Lau and PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan. - Mkini